Tool box useful for painters

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an improved tool box useful for painters featuring a first receiving space or compartment, a second receiving space or compartment, a handle or means for carrying or transporting the tool box, and a means for receiving or holding in a substantially vertical position a paint brush or paint roller or tool useful for a painter. The tool box may be formed of any suitable material or combination or materials such as wood, fiber board, pressboard, rubber, plastic, metal or cardboard. The tool box may be designed for extended life or it may be formed of one or more materials adapted to be disposed of after one or a few or several uses. The tool box may be of any suitable shape such as substantially rectangular, square, oblong, elliptical, round, etc.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present patent application is a continuation of, and hereby claimspriority to, application Ser. No. 15/664,488, filed Jul. 31, 2017, whichin turn, claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.62/368,349, filed Jul. 29, 2016. Applicant claims the benefits of 35U.S.C. § 120 as to said Non-Provisional Application, and the benefits of35 U.S.C. § 119 as to said Provisional Application and the entiredisclosures of both application are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved tool box having an apparatus orassembly affixed thereto or contained therein useful for holding andtransporting paint brushes, paint rollers and other tools useful forpainters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

King, U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,042 describes a portable paint brush holder(or holster). The paint brush holder has means (such as a clip, loops, astud and loop and the like) for attaching the brush holder to a belt ofthe painter and is a substantially rectangular container having a topopening to hold the paint brush in a upright position with the handle ofthe brush pointing up. The portable paint brush holder holds the wetpaint brush securely, prevents paint drips and prevents drying of thepaint on the brush. The portable paint brush holder also includes a kitcomprising the portable paint brush holder which is detachably engagedto the belt of the painter and a clip for permanent attaching to theflat portion of the paint brush at the bristle-handle interface. Theclip on the brush aids in securing the paint brush within the paintbrush holder reservoir.

Robinson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,051 describes a gravity responsiveapparatus for carrying paint and painters' tools suspended on the hip ofa painter that features a hip-supported, belt-attached base member whichis flexibly attached by means of a separable ball and socket joint to afreely swinging sealable paint container and fitted tool carrier. Thedevice allows a painter to more easily and safely climb ladders andscaffolds without spilling paint. A painter may open and fold back thehinged cover to access the paint and useful tools. Multiple tools may becarried in the integral tool rack which is a part of the apparatus. Thefreely swinging construction allows the painter to assume variouspositions without spilling paint or dropping tools. The device is madeof a smooth, seamless material, is readily cleanable and requires littlecare or maintenance.

Darling, U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,104 describes a painter's accessory holderfor holding painting tools such as a caulking gun, sandpaper, glazingcompound and a bladed tool on a base member that is attachable to a beltworn by the painter. The accessory holder includes a caulking gunbracket attached to the base member configured to accept a caulking gun,the caulking gun finger guard engaging a portion of the bracket tosecurely hold the caulking gun in place, while at the same timerendering it easily removable. A sandpaper bracket is attached to thebase member to clamp sandpaper between the bracket and the base so as tobe securely but removably held and readily accessible to the painter.The device also may include a pouch attached to the base member to holda glazing compound and a bladed tool bracket to hold bladed tools, suchas putty knives, etc. The bladed tool bracket may be formed by agenerally “U” shaped metal bracket which allows the handle of the bladedtool to pass through, but engages the blade portion so as to securely,but removably hold the bladed tool. The bladed tool bracket may also beformed by a strip of material which also allows the handle to passthrough, but engages the blade portion.

It would be useful and desirable to provide a tool box useful forpainters for transporting multiple tools and paints useful for painting,and for transporting paint brushes, rollers, and other applicatorswhether dry or wet. All publications, patent applications, patents andother reference material mentioned are incorporated by reference intheir entirety. In addition, the materials, methods and examples areonly illustrative and are not intended to be limiting. The citation ofreferences herein is not to be construed as an admission that thereferences are prior art to the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a tool box useful for painters comprising atleast one first receiving space or compartment, at least one secondreceiving space or compartment, a handle or means for carrying ortransporting the tool box, and a means for receiving or holding in asubstantially vertical position, a paint brush or paint roller or tooluseful for a painter. The tool box may be formed of any suitablematerial or combination or materials such as wood, fiber board,pressboard, rubber, plastic, metal or cardboard. The tool box may bedesigned for extended life or it may be formed of one or more materialsadapted to be disposed of after one or a few or several uses. The toolbox may be of any suitable shape such as substantially rectangular,square, oblong, elliptical, round, etc. Similarly, it may be of anysuitable size such as, for instance, about 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more feetlong, about 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more feet wide, and about 6″, 12″, 18″,24″, 30″, or 36″ or more, tall.

The first receiving space or compartment may as desired occupy, forinstance, a half or two thirds or even three fourths or more of the areaor of the cubic volume of the tool box, and it may be substantiallyenclosed on three or four sides, for instance, leaving a top surfaceopen. In particular, the first receiving space or compartment comprisesa floor and three or four vertical walls, which walls are contiguous andconnected along adjacent vertical edges. The first receiving space mayoptionally be covered on all sides, so that for instance, the topsurface may be covered by a solid or semi-solid flap or lid, not shown,that may be movable or may be removable with respect to the remainder ofthe tool box. The flap or lid may be optionally fastened or locked tothe remainder of the tool box with any suitable fastener or lockingmechanism.

The second receiving space or compartment may as desired occupy, forinstance, a fourth, a third, or a half or more of the area or of thecubic volume of the tool box, and it may be substantially enclosed onthree or four sides, for instance, leaving a top surface open. Thesecond receiving space may optionally be covered on all sides, forinstance, the top surface covered by a rigid or flexible flap or lid,not shown, that may be movable or may be removable with respect to theremainder of the tool box. The flap or lid may be optionally fastened orlocked to the remainder of the tool box with any suitable fastener orlocking mechanism.

In an alternate, particular embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIG. 5 and discussed later on herein, the tool box may comprise pluralsecond receiving spaces or compartments 2. In turn, the second receivingspaces or compartments 2 may located laterally flanking and on oppositesides of the first receiving space or compartment 1.

The handle or means for carrying or transporting the tool box 3 mayextend across the top of the first receiving space or compartment,across the top of the second receiving space or compartment, or acrossthe top of both the first and the second receiving spaces orcompartments. The handle or means for carrying or transporting the toolbox may be formed of any suitable material or combination or materialssuch as wood, fiber board, pressboard, rubber, plastic, metal orcardboard. The handle or means for carrying or transporting the tool boxmay be of any suitable shape such as substantially rectangular, oblong,etc. and may form a substantial bar. Similarly, it may be of anysuitable size such as, for instance, about 0.5″, 1″, 2″, 3″, 4″, or 5″or more in diameter and about 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more feet long.

The means for receiving or holding in a substantially vertical positiona paint brush or paint roller or tool useful for a painter, referred tohereinafter and alternately, as the receiving or holding means, mayextend across the top of the first receiving space or compartment,across the top of the second receiving space or compartment, or acrossthe top of both the first and the second receiving spaces orcompartments. The receiving or holding means may comprise at least onerod, bar or like support 13, that is mounted and suspended in ahorizontal position, by and between opposed vertical walls of the secondreceiving space or compartment. As illustrated for example in FIG. 1,plural receiving or holding means are provided and mounted.

The receiving or holding means 4 may be formed of any suitable materialor combination or materials such as wood, fiber board, pressboard,rubber, plastic, metal or cardboard. The receiving or holding means maybe of any suitable shape such as substantially rectangular, oblong, etc.and may form a substantial bar. Similarly, it may be of any suitablesize such as, for instance, about 0.1″, 0.25″, 0.5″, 0.75″, or 1″ ormore in diameter and about 6″, 12″, 18″, 24″, 30″, or 36″ or more long.

The receiving or holding means 4 is preferably removable and suitablefor positioning through a hole or aperture that may be found in thehandle of a paint brush or paint roller or tool useful for a painter.The receiving or holding means 4 may be positioned through a hole oraperture 5 in the wall of the first or the second receiving space orcompartment. There may be a stopping means 6 provided on one side of thereceiving or holding means to prevent movement through the first or thesecond receiving space or compartment so that the receiving or holdingmeans remains substantially stationary once in place. The stopping meansmay be, for instance, a washer or bolt attached thereto, or a knob asillustrated in FIGS. 6-8.

In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the receiving or holdingmeans 4 may comprise a rod 13 that defines an enlarged diameter end 14that releasably engages and is captured by a corresponding clasp orcatch 15 that is located in an indent 16 within the second or end guard12 that is in turn, fastened or otherwise engages the adjacent wall ofthe second receiving space or compartment 2 that is distal to firstreceiving space or compartment 1, so that the enlarged diameter end andthe clasp or catch, in combination with the knob at the opposite end ofthe rod, comprise the stopping means 6. Further detail as to thestructure and operation of the rod, its enlarged end, the catch or claspand the second or end guard means is presented hereinbelow withreference to FIG. 9.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toprovide a tool box that is suitable for painters, and that enables theconvenient transport of a plurality of painters' supplies and tools,including paint brushes, whether they are wet or dry.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tool boxthat can be adjusted in its size of compartments to accommodatedifferent quantities of supplies and tools.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled inthe art from a review of the ensuing description which proceeds withreference to the following illustrative drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view depicting the length dimension and aportion of the interior of the tool box of the invention including thefirst receiving space or compartment 1, the second receiving space orcompartment 2, a handle or means for carrying or transporting the toolbox 3, and receiving or holding means 4 as described herein. Thereceiving or holding means 4 as shown is positioned through a hole oraperture 5 in the wall that as illustrated, is located between and thusdefines both the first receiving space or compartment 1 and the secondreceiving space or compartment 2. A stopping means 6 is provided on oneside of the receiving or holding means 4, and a guard means 7 isprovided around the hole or aperture 5.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view like FIG. 1, taken from the right end ofthe tool box shown in FIG. 1, that illustrates the first receiving spaceor compartment 1, the second receiving space or compartment 2, the walldefining and dividing compartments 1 and 2, a handle or means forcarrying or transporting the tool box 3, and plural receiving or holdingmeans 4 as described herein. The receiving or holding means 4 arepositioned through holes or apertures 5 in the wall, and guard means 7are provided around each hole or aperture 5.

FIG. 3 is a top view depicting a tool box useful for painters featuringa first receiving space or compartment 1, a second receiving space orcompartment 2, a handle or means for carrying or transporting the toolbox 3, and receiving or holding means 4 as described herein. Thereceiving or holding means 4 is positioned through a hole or aperture 5in the wall of the first receiving space or compartment 1 or the secondreceiving space or compartment 2. A stopping means 6 is provided on oneside of the receiving or holding means 4. A guard means 7 is providedaround the hole or aperture 5.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view depicting a tool box useful forpainters featuring a first receiving space or compartment 1, a secondreceiving space or compartment 2, a handle or means for carrying ortransporting the tool box 3, and a receiving or holding means 4 asdescribed herein. The receiving or holding means 4 is positioned througha hole or aperture 5 in the wall of the first or the second receivingspace or compartment 2. A stopping means 6 is provided on one side ofthe receiving or holding means 4. A guard means 7 is provided around thehole or aperture 5.

FIG. 5 is perspective view similar to FIG. 1 showing the top, a broadside and an end view of a tool box in accordance with an alternateembodiment of the invention. In this embodiment plural second receivingspaces or compartments 2 are present and are located laterally adjacentopposite sides of the first space or compartment 1. The handle or meansfor carrying or transporting the tool box 3 extends across firstreceiving space or compartment 1 and is fastened to the opposed wallsthat divide compartment 1 from adjacent compartments 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tool box similar to that shown in FIG.1 depicting release or holding means 4 in accordance with an alternateembodiment.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views depicting the release or holdingmeans 4 of FIG. 6 in greater detail.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view of the release or holding means 4 showingthe rod 13 and the enlarged distal end 14, the catch or clasp 15 and theindent 16 within the second support means 12 that houses and secures thecatch or clasp in place in the assembled tool box.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, the foregoing objects andadvantages are readily attained.

Referring to the figures wherein like numerals denote like parts, andparticularly to FIG. 1, a tool box useful for painters is shown thatcomprises a first receiving space or compartment 1, a second receivingspace or compartment 2, a handle or means for carrying or transportingthe tool box 3, and a receiving or holding means 4. Two receiving orholding means 4 are depicted, and are positioned through individual,spaced apart holes or apertures 5 in the wall of the first receivingspace or compartment 1 or the second receiving space or compartment 2. Astopping means 6 is provided on one side of the receiving or holdingmeans 4. The stopping means 6 may be a bolt or washer affixed to thereceiving or holding means 4. Advantageously, a guard means 7 may beprovided to secure or preserve the hole or aperture 5 in the wall of thefirst receiving space or compartment 1 or the second receiving space orcompartment 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, a tool box useful for painters featuring a firstreceiving space or compartment 1, a second receiving space orcompartment 2, a handle or means for carrying or transporting the toolbox 3, and receiving or holding means 4 is provided. The receiving orholding means 4 is positioned through a hole or aperture 5 in the wallof the first receiving space or compartment 1 or the second receivingspace or compartment 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, a tool box useful for painters featuring a firstreceiving space or compartment 1, a second receiving space orcompartment 2, a handle or means for carrying or transporting the toolbox 3, and receiving or holding means 4 is provided. Receiving orholding means 4 is positioned through a hole or aperture 5 in the wallof the first receiving space or compartment 1 or the second receivingspace or compartment 2. A stopping means 6 is provided on one side ofthe receiving or holding means 4. Advantageously, a guard means 7 may beprovided to secure or preserve the hole or aperture 5 in the wall of thefirst receiving space or compartment 1 or the second receiving space orcompartment 2.

The receiving or holding means 4 as described herein may be adapted tobe removable from the remaining components of the tool box describedherein, either entirely or in part. As such, receiving or holding means4 in use may be passed through an opening, aperture or hole, not shown,in, for instance, a handle of a paint brush or a paint roller or a tooluseful for a painter. Exemplary tools useful for a painter may be, forinstance, a scraper, a leveler, a spatula, a container for holdingpaint, screws, nails, and the like, a hammer, a screw driver, a wrench,pliers, and the like. By holding a paint brush or a paint roller or atool useful for a painter in a vertical position, it may be possible orprevent cross contamination with paint or with a fluid useful forremoving or diluting paint, and it may be possible to facilitate orexpedite drying of the paint brush or paint roller or tool useful for apainter. Likewise, the support or suspension of the painter's equipmentor supplies by the receiving or holding means 4 offers easy access tosuch equipment or supplies by the painter during work.

Referring to FIG. 4, a tool box useful for painters featuring a firstreceiving space or compartment, a second receiving space or compartment,a handle or means for carrying or transporting the tool box, and a meansfor receiving or holding a paint brush or paint roller or tool usefulfor a painter, in a substantially vertical position 4 is provided. Thereceiving or holding means 4 is positioned through a hole or aperture 5in the wall of the first or the second receiving space or compartment 2.A stopping means 6 is provided on one side of receiving or holding means4. Advantageously, a guard means 7 is provided to secure or preserve thehole or aperture 5 in the wall of the first or the second receivingspace or compartment 2.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a tool box is shown that is constructed inaccordance with an alternate embodiment. In this embodiment pluralsecond receiving spaces or compartments 2 are present and are locatedlaterally adjacent opposite sides of the first space or compartment 1.The handle or means for carrying or transporting the tool box 3 extendsacross first receiving space or compartment 1 and is fastened to theopposed walls that divide compartment 1 from adjacent compartments 2.Also, each of compartments 2 are adapted to contain receiving or holdingmeans 4, not shown, that are disposed and supported by opposed wall ofthe compartments. This configuration facilitates the balancing of theload in the instance where the tools or equipment outweigh the remainingsupplies contained in centrally located compartment 1.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a tool box in accordance with a furtheralternate embodiment to that of FIG. 1 is shown. The tool boxillustrated herein contains a release or holding means 4 that is fittedwith a rod, stopping means and guard means that are different andmodular in design, although performing the same functions as with theconstructions presented in FIGS. 1-4. Also, the handle 3 differs fromthe design and construction of FIGS. 1-4, as it is streamlined andoffers a continuous, unitary appearance.

Referring to FIG. 7, a tool box having the release or holding means 4 ofFIG. 6 is shown in greater detail. In this embodiment, release orholding means 4 comprises a rod 13 which defines on its proximal end astopping means 6 that may comprise a knob as shown. On the opposite ordistal end, release or holding means 4 defines an enlarged diameterelement 14 that is adapted for releasable engagement within acorresponding catch or clasp means 15 affixed to the wall of compartment2 that is juxtaposed to the wall bearing hole or aperture 5. In use, thepainter withdraws the release or holding means 4 from its engagementwith the catch or clasp means 15 by pulling on stopping means 6, andthereby accesses the supplies or equipment that are desired for use.Conversely, once the desired equipment or tools are accessed and removedfrom the tool box, stopping means 6 on rod 13 of release or holdingmeans 4 is thrust forward and so that rod 13 engages the catch or claspmeans 15, to secure the remaining supplies or equipment suspended on therelease or holding means 4.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a guard means 7 is shown in detail, that offersgreater stability and useful life in conjunction with the release orholding means 4. In particular, guard means 7 comprises paired firstsupports 10 that are positioned on opposite sides of the wall containingaperture 5 and are in registry therewith. In turn, paired supports 10define one or more cylindrical bearing structures 11 therewithin, thatprovide a stable race for the axial reciprocation of the rods of therelease or holding means 4 therethrough. It should be noted that theguard means of the invention contemplates and includes the use of asingle bearing structure that would extend through the wall containingaperture 5, and that would be held in place by the paired supports 10placed on either side of the wall and fastened or otherwise engagedtherewith.

Referring further to FIG. 8, guard means 7 also includes second supports12 that may comprise a flat member like that of first supports 10.Second supports 12 are located at the terminal end of travel of the rods13 of the release or holding means 4, and are affixed or otherwiseattached to the distal wall of the second compartment 2. Second supports12 house and retain catches or clasps 15 within a generally cylindricalcutout 16. As discussed earlier, the painter withdraws rod 13 of releaseor holding means 4 out of engagement with catch or clasp 15 to accessthe tools or supplies suspended on rod 13. Conversely, the painterthrusts the rod 13 forward so that the increased diameter end 14 engagesthe catch or clasp means 15 and thereby locks the release or holdingmeans 4 securely in position within second compartment 2 so that theremaining tools and equipment are securely suspended therefrom.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to theillustrations described and shown herein, which are deemed to be merelyillustrative of the best modes of carrying out the invention, and whichare susceptible of modification of form, size, arrangement of parts anddetails of operation. The invention rather is intended to encompass allsuch modifications which are within its spirit and scope as defined bythe claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A tool box comprising: a first receivingspace or compartment; a second receiving space or compartment, the firstand second compartments separated by a dividing wall, the dividing wallhaving at least one aperture; a handle for carrying or transporting thetool box; at least one holder for hanging tool, the holder including arod; and a guard comprising paired first supports and a second support,the paired supports positioned on each of opposite sides of the dividingwall around the at least one aperture and the second support attached toa wall opposite to the dividing wall, wherein each of the paired firstsupports define at least one bearing structure therewithin to provide astability for an axial reciprocation of the rod.
 2. The tool boxaccording to claim 1, wherein the tool box is substantially rectangularin shape.
 3. The tool box according to claim 1, wherein a top surface ofthe first receiving space or compartment is covered by a rigid orflexible flap or lid that may be movable or may be removable withrespect to the remainder of the tool box.
 4. The tool box according toclaim 1, wherein the handle for carrying or transporting the tool boxextends across a top of the first receiving space or compartment.
 5. Thetool box according to claim 1, wherein the holder, for hanging the tool,extends across a top of the first receiving space or compartment, acrossa top of the second receiving space or compartment, or across the top ofboth the first and the second receiving spaces or compartments.
 6. Thetool box according to claim 1, wherein the holder, for hanging the tool,extends across a top of the second receiving space or compartment, andis disposed in a generally horizontal position with respect to said toolbox.
 7. The tool box according to claim 1, wherein the holder, forhanging the tool, is removable.
 8. The tool box according to claim 1,wherein the holder, for hanging the tool, is suitable for positioningthrough a hole or aperture in a handle of the tool.
 9. The tool boxaccording to claim 1, wherein the holder, for hanging the tool, ispositioned through the at least one aperture in the dividing wall. 10.The tool box according to claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture inthe dividing wall is suitable for passing the holder for hanging thetool therethrough.
 11. A tool box comprising: a first receiving space orcompartment; a second receiving space or compartment, the first andsecond compartments separated by a dividing wall, the dividing wallhaving at least one aperture; a handle for carrying or transporting thetool box; at least one holder for hanging tool, the holder including arod; and a guard comprising paired first supports and a second support,the paired supports positioned on each of opposite sides of the dividingwall around the at least one aperture and the second support attached toa wall opposite to the dividing wall, wherein the rod defines a stopperon a proximal end of the rod and an enlarged element on a distal end ofthe rod, the distal end of the rod is dimensioned to be inserted intothe at least one aperture, and wherein the stopper is a washer or bolt.12. A tool box comprising: a first receiving space or compartment; asecond receiving space or compartment, the first and second compartmentsseparated by a dividing wall, the dividing wall having at least oneaperture; a handle for carrying or transporting the tool box; at leastone holder for hanging tool, the holder including a rod; and a guardcomprising paired first supports and a second support, the pairedsupports positioned on each of opposite sides of the dividing wallaround the at least one aperture and the second support attached to awall opposite to the dividing wall, wherein the second support includesa clasp that is retained within a cylindrical cutout defined on thesecond support.